Sandals Barbados vs. Sandals Royal Barbados
Barbados is a great spot for a tropical vacation. Not only because of the gorgeous scenery and lively culture, but Barbados also offers a couple of great all-inclusive resort options.
Both Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados are great options for your stay on the island, but it can be difficult to decide which one is the better option. Fortunately, we’ve broken down different aspects of these resorts to help you decide.
Check out this Sandals Barbados vs. Sandals Royal Barbados break down to find the right fit for you!
Sandals Barbados vs. Sandals Royal Barbados: Overview
Both Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados are Sandals resorts, so you’ll find plenty of similarities between them. Both resorts are beachfront and guests at either resort have access to the areas and facilities at the other property. So even though you’ll end up picking just one resort, you might feel like you’re staying at both.
Let’s start with Sandals Barbados. This resort is located on the pristine Dover Beach where the Caribbean meets the Atlantic. This adult-only, all-inclusive resort caters exclusively to couples and provides an idyllic refuge to recharge and reconnect with your nearest and dearest.
Sandals Royal Barbados is located very close to Sandals Barbados. In fact, these resorts back each other, but the Sandals Royal Barbados property is located in the St. Lawrence Gap area, a vibrant and beautiful area of coastline. This resort has a high focus on luxury with many modern amenities and is a Sandals’ first in many areas, including the first rooftop pool and bar, the first 4-lane bowling alley, and the first health and wellness-inspired restaurant concepts.
Sandals Royal Barbados puts an emphasis on wellness evident through the resort’s unique health and wellness-inspired restaurant options and relaxed atmosphere.
Sandals Barbados vs. Sandals Royal Barbados: Rooms
The biggest difference between these two resorts is the rooms and suites. Not only is there a difference in style and amenities within the rooms themselves, but there are plenty of differences in layouts as well.
Rooms at Sandals Barbados are more numerous, closer to the beach, and often more affordable. That’s not to say that there aren’t higher-end rooms at Sandals Barbados, but they pride themselves on being accessible for all budgets.
Plus, no matter what level of room you select, all guests at Sandals Barbados have full access to the resort amenities and properties. There are no restricted areas, so many people feel their room rate goes a lot further at Sandals Barbados.
When it comes to rooms at Sandals Royal Barbados, you’ll find a higher end design in each room and plenty of top notch amenities. All of the rooms at Sandals Royal Barbados are club or butler-level rooms. This means all guests receive top-notch service, including room service for all.
You can also select higher-end rooms and ensure you’re very close to the beach. If this seems more like your travel style, you’ll want to book a stay in the Seaside Village, Millionaire suites, or even the Skypool Suites.
Sandals Barbados vs. Sandals Royal Barbados: Dining
Sandals Barbados has a great selection of dining options, ranging from quick snacks to gourmet meals. The atmosphere is also inviting. Guests can enjoy some of the freshest seafood and the best rum punch while relaxing to the sounds of Green Monkeys playing in the palm trees at sunset.
There are a few things to remember when planning out dining options at Sandals Barbados. You will want to book reservations at many of the restaurants, and you’ll need to pay attention to days of the week as some restaurants are closed.
Sandals Royal Barbados offers guests two new dining experiences – American Tavern and Chi Asian. The resort also houses the largest glass-front infinity pool in the Eastern Caribbean for an incredible dining experience.
Just remember, if you stay at either of these Sandals resorts, you will have access to some of the amenities and restaurants at the other resort. Guests can enjoy “Stay at One, Play at Two” exchange privileges with the adjacent Sandals Barbados, granting access to a total of 20 Five Star Global Gourmet™ dining options, numerous bars, pools, and activities, all through a free shuttle service. This interconnected experience allows for a seamless and expansive vacation.
Sandals Barbados vs. Sandals Royal Barbados: Activities
When it comes to activities, Sandals Barbados may take the cake. This resort offers plenty of great activities daily, you’re sure to find something to keep you busy. Spend your days with white sand between your toes, learning to kayak, scuba dive, or snorkel in azure waters. Explore 10 acres of tropical gardens, play tennis under the stars, or indulge in a romantic massage for two.
Plus, you can enjoy a few frames of bowling at Lover’s Lane, the on-site bowling alley. Just be sure to get there early – it’s first come, first served. If you do miss out on a day at the alley, you’ll find plenty of other great game options around the resort – giant chess, shuffleboard, croquet, pool, or even foosball.
Most of these activities – except for the bowling alley – are also available at Sandals Royal Barbados. However, Sandals Royal Barbados does have a rooftop bar and pool. On the roof of the sixth floor, you’ll find the Sky Bar, multiple infinity pools, and la Parisienne. This is a big draw for many guests at Sandals Royal Barbados.
Sandals Barbados vs. Sandals Royal Barbados: The Verdict?
So, which is the right fit for you – Sandals Barbados or Sandals Royal Barbados? It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to be sure to get a room closer to the beach and at a great price, then Sandals Barbados is the right choice. But if you want something a little more updated and modern, then you’ll definitely want to book a suite at Sandals Royal Barbados.
Either resort you do choose, however, gives you plenty of access to the facilities and amenities at the other resort. So, if you pick one, it’s almost like you’ve picked both. Happy travels!
